SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass., March 26, 2018 – Harrington HealthCare System will hold a fundraising gala this July, honoring Elise Wilson, a long-time Harrington nurse who was attacked by a patient in June 2017.

The event is the healthcare system’s major fundraiser to renovate and expand the Emergency Department (ED) in Southbridge; a capital campaign estimated at $5 million.

A Fare to Remember will be held on July 14 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. Tickets go on sale to the public May 1.

Wilson, the 40-year employee of Harrington Hospital, who was the victim of an attack last summer while working in triage in the Southbridge ED, will attend with her family as the honorary Harrington “Hero” offering her support for the renovation project. The renovation will, in part, increase the safety of staff and patients, as well as increasing treatment space by 2,400 square feet and modernizing the existing 8,500 square foot space.

In addition to honoring Wilson, A Fare to Remember will feature a two VIP Guests: Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. Both will be available for an exclusive pre-event cocktail hour where VIP ticket holders can meet and take a photo with the players, as well as receive autographed memorabilia. Julian and Danny will also make a special on-stage appearance at the beginning of the event to help offer their support for the ED Campaign.

The evening continues with local restaurants from South Central Massachusetts featuring tastings of their signature dishes and desserts. Those confirmed so far include Porterhouse, Sturbridge Seafood, Baba Sushi, Sturbridge Coffee Roasters, Publick House, Mexicali, Rovezzi’s and Metro Bistro.

Creative auctions will be available including sports, music and destination-themed prizes.

In advance of ticket sales, the community is encouraged to become a Harrington “hERo” by participating in a series of online fundraising challenges that playfully offer a face-off between Julian and Danny to see who can raise the most money. Each challenge has a unique prize to specific participants, including signed memorabilia, game tickets, event VIP passes and more. The “hERo” Challenge has a $100,000 goal and lasts until July 9.

The last major renovation of the Southbridge Emergency Department occurred in 1998 bringing the ED to its current complement of 14 stretcher rooms plus a triage and overflow room. Since its last renovation in 1998, the annual ED visit volume has grown 23%, from approximately 22,000 to 27,000, with steady increase over the most recent years.

Those interested in tickets or participating in the Harrington hERo Challenge can visit the event website at https://afaretoremember.blackbaud-sites.com/

For donation and sponsorship inquiries, please contact Director of Development Angela Chviek at (508) 765-3029.